Continuing Competence Test
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Please read the following frequently asked questions before contacting WAMITAB.
1. How can I comment or complain?
Before taking the test
2. How do I know if I have to take the test?
4. What does the test include?
5. How many questions are there?
7. Do I need to be able to use computers?
9. Can I take a paper-based test?
10. What material can I revise from?
11. Can I take a practice test?
What if I have difficulties?
12. Can people with special needs use the system?
13. I am dyslexic. Can I use the system?
14. I have hearing difficulties. Can I still use the system?
15. I have a reading disability. Can I use the system?
16. I am not able to use computers, what do I do?
Booking the Test
18. Who do I contact if there is a problem with the booking system when I try to book my test?
19. How do I re-schedule my test?
20. How much does the test cost?
21. Will I receive confirmation of my test booking?
22. Will I receive an invoice for my payment of the test fee?
23. How do I pay for the test?
What happens when I arrive at the Test Centre
25. What happens if I do not arrive for the test?
26. What happens if I am ill on the day of my test and I cannot attend?
27. What happens if there are adverse weather conditions on the day of my test and I cannot attend?
28. Do I need to bring any identity documents with me on the day of the test?
29. How do I answer questions?
30. Can I change an answer after I have selected one?
31. Can I skip questions I am not sure about, and go back to them later?
32. What happens if the computer system breaks down?
33. How do I know when the test is finished?
After the test
34. How long does it take to get my result?
35. If I fail do I get feedback on what I got wrong?
36. If I pass when will I get my Continuing Competence certificate?
37. If I fail how do I rebook?
1. How can I comment or complain?
To comment or complain about the online booking service please send email to wamitabcustomerservices@pearson.com
If you have any comments about the structure or questions then please contact WAMITAB on info.admin@wamitab.org.uk
2. How do I know if I have to take the test?
The test is part of the joint CIWM/WAMITAB Operator Competence scheme which is applicable in England and Wales for those individuals who are:
• Existing holders of a CoTC: who achieved their CoTC before 22 December 2008, which was the date our Scheme was approved;
• New entrants: who achieve one of CIWM/WAMITAB's new competence qualifications after this date (12,6 and 4 unit qualifications, VRQ and EPOC);
• 'Deemed' competent operators as by the Environment Agency (EA);
• 'EA assessed'; Other than those where EA assessment is a pre-requisite for obtaining the two-year CoTC exemption; and
• Exempt activities: operators who registered as a relevant exemption prior to 5 April 2010.
Your local Environment Agency officer will be able to advise if the test applies to you.
This will depend on what competence you wish to achieve and/or maintain. Guidance can be obtained from your local Environment Agency officer or from the WAMITAB web site. However, it is essential that you know which test/options to take before travelling to the test centre.
4. What does the test include?
The format for the tests is based on question and multiple choice answers. The questions cover two components; a Generic Knowledge Test (GKT) (‘generic’) comprising questions on Legislation, Health and Safety and Environmental Protection; and an Activity-Specific Test (AST) (or ‘option’) which comprises questions on the specific competence or competencies which need to be maintained. If you hold more than one competence award and want to maintain all your competencies then you will have to choose an 'activity specific option' for each competence.
5. How many questions are there?
The test comprises 20 questions for the generic part (covering legislation, health & safety and environment protection) and a further 6 questions for the activity specific elements/options, depending on how many you choose. The 'test time' allowed will be 30 minutes for the generic section and 10 minutes for each option. Experience has shown that this is sufficient time to complete the various sections/questions. A maximum of 3 options can be taken in any one test.
Candidates will need to correctly answer 50% or more of the questions in the generic section and 50% or more of the questions in each option(s) chosen and achieve an overall pass mark of 65%. In all cases candidates must achieve a pass in both the generic plus option(s); neither the generic nor option can be passed and certificated on their own.
For example: If you achieve 50% (10 marks) in the generic test, and 100% (6 marks) on the activity part of the test, you will not achieve the 65% overall pass required and therefore you will fail the test. If you achieve 50% (3 marks) in the activity part of the test, you will need to achieve 70% (14 marks) in the generic test to achieve a 65% overall pass.
If you take more than one option then this applies to each option; for example, if you take two options it means you may pass one and fail the other. In this case you will be awarded one Continuing Competence certificate and will have to take the generic and the option you failed again.
7. Do I need to be able to use computers?
Yes. You need to be able to use a mouse. There is a short practice session to get used to the system before starting your test. You may decide to undergo some IT training/practice before booking the test. If you cannot use IT then call 0161 855 7316.
Support in terms of training programmes is available from a range of organisations which are listed on http://www.wamitab.org.uk/pg/wamitab-centres/centres-offering-continuing-competence-training
Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) is also available on the website for those candidates who wish to 'self-learn'.
9. Can I take a paper-based test?
No, however, if you have Special Needs then you need to ring 0161 855 7316 for further information before taking the test.
10. What material can I revise from?
The syllabuses, learning outcomes and Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) can be accessed via WAMITAB’s web site. Candidates can undertake self-learning based on the specific syllabus or access one of the training providers. We strongly advise candidates to prepare thoroughly for the test as this is one of the key success factors.
11. Can I take a practice test?
The WAMITAB web site has a practice test which includes questions from the generic element of the test. There is also a WAMITAB ‘tutorial’ on the web site which illustrates what candidates will see when they go for their test. Click here to access the Practice Test.
12. Can people with special needs use the system?
The system provides facilities for people with special needs. Special arrangements can be made under certain circumstances. There is a minimum lead time of 4 weeks to arrange a reader. Pearson VUE will endeavour to organise this within the 4 week time period if the test centre, reader and candidate are available; if this cannot be arranged then the booking can vary between 4 and 6 weeks. If you require a reader then please email lawrence.strong@wamitab.org.uk with details of your reading difficulties, where you want to take the test and a telephone contact; this will be authorised and forwarded to Pearson VUE who will contact you directly to arrange the reader at a suitable location, date and time.
13. I am dyslexic. Can I use the system?
Yes, the system has the option for dyslexic candidates to listen to the test being read in English. For people with dyslexia additional time may be available but must be arranged at the time of booking.
14. I have hearing difficulties. Can I still use the system?
Yes, the test has been set up as a multiple choice test and candidates should follow the instructions on the screen.
15. I have a reading disability. Can I use the system?
Yes, but we need to understand the degree of your reading disability. There is a minimum lead time of 4 weeks to arrange a reader. Pearson VUE will endeavour to organise this within the 4 week time period if the test centre, reader and candidate are available; if this cannot be arranged then the booking can vary between 4 and 6 weeks. If you require a reader then please email lawrence.strong@wamitab.org.uk with details of your reading difficulties, where you want to take the test and a telephone contact; this will be authorised and forwarded to Pearson VUE who will contact you directly to arrange the reader at a suitable location, date and time.
16. I am not able to use computers, what do I do?
The test uses IT and assumes a basic understanding of how to use a computer mouse. There is a short practice session to get used to the system before starting your test. You may decide to undergo some IT training/practice before booking the test. If you cannot use IT then call 0161 855 7316.
You can book your Continuing Competence test at any time on www.pearsonvue.com/wamitab. You will need a valid credit or debit card and will select the location, date and time of your test.
18. Who do I contact if there is a problem with the booking system when I try to book my test?
Contact 0161 855 7316 or email wamitabcustomerservices@pearson.com regarding cancellations, bookings or any problems you experience during the registration process.
19. How do I cancel/re-schedule my test?
If you wish to cancel or reschedule your test, you must contact Pearson VUE one business day prior to your test appointment. Cancelling or rescheduling a test less than 24 hours prior to the test appointment is subject to a same-day forfeit test fee. There is a button on the right-hand side of CIWM/WAMITAB landing page which allows you to re-schedule your test.
20. How much does the test cost?
Each test costs £105 irrespective of the number of options chosen (a maximum of three options can be taken at one time).
21. Will I receive confirmation of my test booking?
Pearson VUE will send a confirmation letter via email to the email address supplied by the candidate in the registration/booking process. This will confirm the details of your test booking.
22. Will I receive an invoice for my payment of the test fee?
No, all payments are made using debit/credit cards at the time of booking and the confirmation letter via email is evidence that the test has been paid for.
23. How do I pay for the test?
Payments are made using a web-based, registration, scheduling and payments system. The payments system requires credit or debit cards. For organisations wanting to purchase vouchers (minimum order 10 vouchers) contact:
http://www.pearsonvue.com/vouchers/pricelist/wamitab.asp
these vouchers will have to be paid for by credit or debit card.
The test will take 1 hour in total inclusive of a tutorial. The test will require that all candidates take the Generic component which lasts for 30 minutes and then, where appropriate, select up to 3 of the options each lasting for 10 minutes.
25. What happens if I do not arrive for the test?
If you do not arrive for the test (‘no-show’) or arrive 15 minutes late for your test and are refused admission, payments are due for the test and delivery fees. This means you will lose these payments and have to rebook and pay for another test.
26. What happens if I am ill on the day of my test and I cannot attend?
If you are unable to attend your test due to illness, and do not cancel or re-schedule at least 24 hours before your appointment, you will experience a loss of seat fee.
Individual claims for non attendance may be considered without the loss of seat fee with the ultimate decision being made by WAMITAB.
27. What happens if there are adverse weather conditions on the day of my test and I cannot attend?
If for some reason the test centre is closed due to adverse weather conditions or ‘force majeure’ candidates will be offered a re-test at no cost to themselves. If however the centre is open and candidates are unable to attend this will be considered as a no-show and will incur a loss of seat fee. Individual claims for non attendance may be considered without the loss of seat fee with the ultimate decision being made by WAMITAB.
28. What happens at the test centre and do I need to bring any identity documents with me on the day of the test?
We ask that you arrive at the test centre 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This will give you adequate time to complete the necessary sign-in procedures. Be prepared to show a valid form of personal identification that contains both a photo and a signature which would be either a modern driving license or passport. If you have none of these you may present your WAMITAB Competence Card.
If you do not have a WAMITAB Competence Card for your COTC or OCC, and need to obtain one for test centre identification purposes, please send WAMITAB two passport size photos of yourself with the words this is a true likeness of {name} written on the back of one of the photos and a return address; we will produce the card at no cost to you and send it by return through the post. Please do not book your test time until the card is recieved.
29. How do I answer questions?
The test is based on multiple-choice with one question at a time shown on the screen. Underneath the question the various answers are set out. To select an answer you use the mouse to touch the button on the screen beside the answer you want (see WAMITAB Practice test and tutorial).
30. Can I change an answer after I have selected one?
Yes, during the generic test you will be able to go back and change your answers by using the mouse; once this section is finished you will not be able to go back to it. Likewise with the option(s), you will be able to go back to change your answers in that option within the time allotted.
31. Can I skip questions I am not sure about, and go back to them later?
Yes, each section on of the test has a review screen at the end of the section. This feature allows you to mark a question to ‘flag’ and to be reviewed at the end of the section so that you can go back to it.
32. What happens if the computer system breaks down?
If there is a short interruption to the test, candidates are usually able to continue with the test. The answers that have been given up to that point will not normally be lost. If there is a large disruption then you will be offered a new test free of charge.
33. How do I know when the test is finished?
All sections within the test are timed. Once you have completed all the sections within the test, a message will appear on screen advising you that the test is now complete.
34. How long does it take to get my result?
You will be notified by WAMITAB within 10 working days of the test being taken.
35. If I fail do I get feedback on what I got wrong?
At the end of the test you will receive your score report which provides the scores for each component of the generic test i.e. legislation, health and safety and environmental protection and the score for each option(s) taken. If you are unsuccessful this should enable you to focus your learning for the subsequent test. As the questions are chosen at random we will be unable to provide information on the specific questions that you did not answer correctly.
36. If I pass when will I get my Continuing Competence certificate?
If successful your Continuing Competence certificate will be sent to you by post within 10 working days.
37. If I fail how do I rebook?
You go back to the booking section of the web site using the right hand navigation - Schedule a test.